Nigerian soulful singer Chike Osebuka, popularly known as Chike, has sparked heated debate across social media after boldly describing marriage as a “stupid step.” The “Running” crooner, who is widely loved for his romantic ballads often used at weddings, made this blunt declaration during a candid chat on the WithChude podcast with media personality Chude Jideonwo. According to him, marriage is not something he is interested in, and he believes it is unwise to jump into such a commitment. His words shocked many fans who have often associated his music with love, devotion, and marital bliss.
Chike explained that his priority in life is financial security, not tying the knot. In his words, happiness for him is tied directly to money and not necessarily to marriage. “For me to be happy, to be honest, I need a lot of money. I like money. I want money,” he said unapologetically, stressing that his sense of fulfillment comes from building financial independence rather than investing in marriage or family life. This view adds a new layer of complexity to his artistic image, as fans have long connected his heartfelt lyrics to the idea of lasting love and union.
The singer went further to reveal that music itself was not originally part of his life’s blueprint. After graduating from university, he only turned to music as a way to explore his identity and create a fulfilling career path. Now, with fame, financial opportunities, and recognition flowing in, Chike is clear that personal stability outweighs societal expectations of settling down. His statement has added fuel to an ongoing cultural conversation in Nigeria and across Africa about the shifting values of young people who increasingly prioritize career growth, financial freedom, and self-development over the traditional path of marriage.
Fans online wasted no time reacting. Many were shocked that the same man whose songs are played at countless weddings could describe marriage as unnecessary. A fan commented that Chike was contradicting himself, saying, “Haaaa! And you dey sing love songs up and down. They use your songs for most weddings. Abeg you need to explain what you just said.” Another said bluntly, “Very stupid step, when someone tells me he’s getting married I ask why.” Others, however, supported Chike, admitting that marriage is indeed a heavy burden, emotionally and financially, and that his honesty about putting money first was refreshing.
The controversy even spilled beyond his fanbase, with some Nigerians on platforms like Reddit echoing his sentiment. One user wrote, “Stay single and unmarried. You will be happier and with more freedom to do all the things you want to do. Marriage is an invisible chain that binds you down and blinds you from what you should’ve become.” Another admitted, “I am 35… I don’t care that much about marriage. Children and marriage is work and can make or break you mentally, emotionally and financially.” These online conversations reveal that Chike’s words resonate with a larger generational feeling, even if they clash with traditional Nigerian values.
The irony, of course, is hard to ignore. Chike has built his brand on love songs that melt hearts, songs that have become anthems at Nigerian weddings, yet he personally sees no wisdom in walking down the aisle. This contradiction is perhaps what makes his stance so controversial and fascinating at the same time. To his fans, it feels like the voice of love has turned its back on marriage; to his supporters, it is simply an honest man refusing to follow societal scripts.
Ultimately, Chike’s declaration that marriage is a “stupid step” is less about insulting the institution and more about prioritizing his own goals. His message reflects a generational shift, where money, independence, and personal happiness are often seen as more urgent than family obligations. Whether fans agree or not, his words have sparked necessary dialogue about what happiness truly means in today’s society.
